How to install root on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi 4X, launched in 2017 on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor, is still a popular device among enthusiasts looking to breathe a second life into it. Getting root rights is a key step to completely change the logic of the Android operating system installed on this device. The standard limitations of the MIUI shell often prevent the full use of iron resources, and it is unlocking that gives the desired freedom of action.

The owner of the device is able to remove system debris that the manufacturer has forbidden to touch, change the frequencies of the processor to improve performance or, conversely, to save battery power. However, it is worthwhile to understand that interference with system files is a process that requires carefulness and strict adherence to the algorithm. Any error in the firmware stage can lead to a software failure.

Before you start taking action, you need to realize that you are taking responsibility for the condition of your gadget. The factory warranty, if any, will be canceled immediately after unlocking the bootloader. However, for many Redmi 4X users, this is the only way to extend the relevance of the device by installing custom versions of Android more recent versions.

The process of obtaining privileged rights on Xiaomi devices always begins with unlocking the bootloader.This is a security mechanism that does not allow you to install untested software or modify the system partition. In the case of Redmi 4X, running on the Qualcomm platform, this step is mandatory and requires the preparation of a Mi Account account.

You will need a Windows computer that is working properly. USB-cable and stable Internet connection. It is also critical to make a full backup of all data, since the process of unlocking Wipe (complete deletion) all user data from internal memory. Ignoring this item will lead to irretrievable loss of photos, contacts and messages.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader permanently changes the status of the device in Xiaomi servers.The reverse process is possible, but requires complete flashing of the global version of the software and repeated data loss.

First, you need to link your account to your device. Go to your phone settings, select About Phone, and click on MIUI multiple times to activate the developer menu. Next, in the advanced settings, find Mi Unlock Status and do the binding. Only then you can go to the PC.

💡

Use the original. USB-Cheap charging cables often don't have data lines, which will lead to connection errors with the PC.

The next step is to install the necessary drivers and utilities Mi Unlock Tool. Without properly installed drivers ADB and Fastboot, the computer simply will not see the smartphone in the desired mode. Once downloaded utility and input account data, the system will ask to wait. This is usually from 72 hours (3 days) to 7 days (168 hours) from the moment of the account assignment.

When the timer expires, you can start the utility again, transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button down and connecting the cable) and press the unlock button. It takes a few minutes, and then the device restarts, cleans the data, and reports that the procedure has been successfully completed. TWRP Magisk is open.

Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, the next logical step is to install a custom recovery. The standard Recovery mode that every Android smartphone has is extremely limited in functionality and does not allow you to install modified files. For Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni), the most stable and proven option is TWRP Recovery.

This utility is a touch menu that allows you to create full system backups (Nandroid backup), clear cache, format partitions and, most importantly, install zip archives with access rights. For Redmi 4X, it is important to use a version of TWRP adapted specifically for the Snapdragon 435 processor to avoid problems with data encryption or a broken touchscreen in the recovery menu.

The firmware process is done via Fastboot mode. You will need an image file with the.img extension downloaded from a trusted source (for example, the official TWRP site or the verified XDA Developers forums).

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-santoni.img

Once you've done the command, the phone can automatically reboot into the system. This is standard MIUI behavior that seeks to replace the modified Recovery with a stock one. To prevent this from happening, immediately after you enter the command in the terminal, you need to pinch the button combination to log in to Recovery (usually volume up + power) and hold them until the TWRP logo appears.

⚠️ Note: If you just restart your phone after firmware TWRP buttonless, MIUI Replace custom Recovery with factory, and the procedure will have to be repeated again.

Once in the TWRP menu, the first thing you should do is press the "Wipe" button and format the Data partition (typing the word "yes"). This is necessary to remove the encryption protection, otherwise you can not write files to internal memory through the computer, and then you can move to install files to obtain root rights.

The final and most important part of the manual is the direct installation of superuser rights. In today’s world, the de facto standard is Magisk (formerly known as SuperSU, but now obsolete). Magisk works on the principle of systemless, meaning it does not modifies the system partition directly, but loads its modules when it boots, which allows you to bypass some security checks of banking applications and Google Pay.

For Redmi 4X, you need to download the current version of Magisk.apk or Magisk.zip. If you have a.apk file, you need to rename it to.zip before installing it, or use the installed method in the Magisk application through patching a boot image, but for beginners it is easier to use the zip archive in Recovery mode.

• 📂 Copy the downloaded archive Magisk.zip the internal memory of the telephone or SD-map.
• 🔄 Reboot to mode. TWRP Recovery (clip the volume up) + Nutrition).
• 🔘 Press the “Install” button in the lower right corner of the screen.
• 📂 Find the file. Magisk.zip in the list and slide the slider to confirm the installation.

The installation process takes only a few seconds, and when it's done, it will show green "Success," and then you have to press the "Reboot System" button to restart the device as normal, and if it's successful, the Magisk icon will appear on the app menu.

⚠️ Warning: Do not delete the Magisk app after installation! it is necessary to manage access rights and updates.

After the first download, it can take a few minutes to optimize the applications. Go to the Magisk app and check the status. If you see the version and status of "Installed", then your Xiaomi Redmi 4X has superuser rights. Now you can install modules, change the system fonts, remove ads in the interface and do more.

💡

Magisk Manager is not just a rights installer, it is a modification control center, and you can hide root from banking applications by activating MagiskHide (or DenyList in newer versions).

Owners of Redmi 4X For Android 7 (Nougat), which is a stock for this model, almost all versions of Magisk are suitable right up to the latest. However, if you have installed custom firmware based on Android 9 or 10, make sure that the Magisk version is also relevant, as older versions can cause bootloop (cyclic reboot).

Also important is working with A/B partitions (although Redmi 4X uses an A-only scheme, the principle is similar). When you update your firmware through the air (OTA), root rights will fly, as the system partition will be updated, and the Magisk patch will remain in the old one, in which case the procedure for installing a zip file through TWRP will have to be repeated after each system update.

Once you have full access to the system, you should not install questionable modules or applications requesting root rights for no apparent reason. An error in editing system files through a root file manager can cause the phone to stop booting. Always keep a work bundle at hand: an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP installed. This is your main rescue tool in case of any software failure.

The access rights management in Magisk is very convenient, and when you first run an application that requires superuser rights, you'll see a request on the screen, and you can choose to grant access permanently, grant it once, or refuse it, and that gives you full control over which processes have access to the core of the system.

The Redmi 4X also has a strong battery optimization issue, with root rights, you can use apps like Greenify or Servicely in deep freeze mode, which greatly extends the life of an old battery, and without superuser rights, these tools are limited and can't completely stop the background processes.